Should I Build It Should I Build It
05 May 2025
Productivity

Secured Cloud service for documents send to relatives after death

Confidence
Engagement
Net use signal
Net buy signal

Idea type: Run Away

Multiple attempts have failed with clear negative feedback. Continuing down this path would likely waste your time and resources when better opportunities exist elsewhere.

Should You Build It?

Don't build it.

Your are here

You're venturing into a space where people are trying to solve the problem of securely sharing information with loved ones after death. With 14 similar products already out there, it's a crowded field, so competition will be fierce. While there's some engagement (average of 5 comments per product), the absence of positive use and buy signals across these similar products is concerning. This suggests that while people might talk about these solutions, they're not necessarily eager to use or pay for them. The discussions around similar products highlight significant concerns about security, trust, and long-term viability. Given the existing attempts and the critical feedback received by competitors, it's important to seriously consider if this is the right path forward.

Recommendations

  1. Carefully analyze the negative feedback from similar products, especially the security and trust concerns mentioned in the discussions. Identify specific vulnerabilities and address them head-on in your approach. For example, many users criticized the lack of transparency and detailed information regarding encryption methods in 'End-to-End Encrypted Dead Man's Switch'. How can you provide concrete reassurances and build trust from the outset?
  2. Consider whether your skills could be applied to a related problem with higher demand or less competition. Could you repurpose the core technology you envision for a different application, perhaps focusing on secure document sharing in a less emotionally charged context?
  3. Talk to at least three people who have tried similar products or considered using such a service. Understand their pain points, what they actually need, and why existing solutions didn't fully meet their requirements. This direct feedback is crucial for identifying unmet needs and differentiating your approach.
  4. If you've already started building something, evaluate if the core technology can be repurposed for a different, more viable problem. Don't be afraid to pivot if the original idea doesn't seem promising. The core encryption and security concepts might be valuable in another application.
  5. Develop a comprehensive plan to address security concerns. Explore advanced encryption methods, decentralized storage solutions, and transparent security audits. Consider offering open-source components to build trust. Detail your security measures clearly in an FAQ, as users of similar products have expressed a need for this.
  6. Focus on user experience, addressing the criticisms leveled against similar products. Avoid unconventional terminology and confusing interfaces. Ensure a smooth and intuitive process for uploading, encrypting, and securely storing documents.
  7. Clearly define your privacy policy and data handling practices. Address concerns about data breaches and misuse. Prioritize user privacy and comply with relevant data protection regulations.
  8. Explore sustainable business models beyond subscriptions, which were criticized in some similar products. Consider partnerships with estate planning services or insurance companies to generate revenue and offer a more holistic service.

Questions

  1. Given the significant security concerns raised in similar product discussions, what specific security measures will you implement to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of user data, and how will you communicate these measures to build trust?
  2. Considering the lack of positive 'use' and 'buy' signals in the market, what unique value proposition will your service offer to convince users to not only use it but also pay for it, especially when dealing with such a sensitive and emotionally charged topic?
  3. How will you ensure the long-term viability and dependability of your service, addressing the critical concern that the service must remain available throughout the user's engagement, potentially for decades?

Your are here

You're venturing into a space where people are trying to solve the problem of securely sharing information with loved ones after death. With 14 similar products already out there, it's a crowded field, so competition will be fierce. While there's some engagement (average of 5 comments per product), the absence of positive use and buy signals across these similar products is concerning. This suggests that while people might talk about these solutions, they're not necessarily eager to use or pay for them. The discussions around similar products highlight significant concerns about security, trust, and long-term viability. Given the existing attempts and the critical feedback received by competitors, it's important to seriously consider if this is the right path forward.

Recommendations

  1. Carefully analyze the negative feedback from similar products, especially the security and trust concerns mentioned in the discussions. Identify specific vulnerabilities and address them head-on in your approach. For example, many users criticized the lack of transparency and detailed information regarding encryption methods in 'End-to-End Encrypted Dead Man's Switch'. How can you provide concrete reassurances and build trust from the outset?
  2. Consider whether your skills could be applied to a related problem with higher demand or less competition. Could you repurpose the core technology you envision for a different application, perhaps focusing on secure document sharing in a less emotionally charged context?
  3. Talk to at least three people who have tried similar products or considered using such a service. Understand their pain points, what they actually need, and why existing solutions didn't fully meet their requirements. This direct feedback is crucial for identifying unmet needs and differentiating your approach.
  4. If you've already started building something, evaluate if the core technology can be repurposed for a different, more viable problem. Don't be afraid to pivot if the original idea doesn't seem promising. The core encryption and security concepts might be valuable in another application.
  5. Develop a comprehensive plan to address security concerns. Explore advanced encryption methods, decentralized storage solutions, and transparent security audits. Consider offering open-source components to build trust. Detail your security measures clearly in an FAQ, as users of similar products have expressed a need for this.
  6. Focus on user experience, addressing the criticisms leveled against similar products. Avoid unconventional terminology and confusing interfaces. Ensure a smooth and intuitive process for uploading, encrypting, and securely storing documents.
  7. Clearly define your privacy policy and data handling practices. Address concerns about data breaches and misuse. Prioritize user privacy and comply with relevant data protection regulations.
  8. Explore sustainable business models beyond subscriptions, which were criticized in some similar products. Consider partnerships with estate planning services or insurance companies to generate revenue and offer a more holistic service.

Questions

  1. Given the significant security concerns raised in similar product discussions, what specific security measures will you implement to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of user data, and how will you communicate these measures to build trust?
  2. Considering the lack of positive 'use' and 'buy' signals in the market, what unique value proposition will your service offer to convince users to not only use it but also pay for it, especially when dealing with such a sensitive and emotionally charged topic?
  3. How will you ensure the long-term viability and dependability of your service, addressing the critical concern that the service must remain available throughout the user's engagement, potentially for decades?

  • Confidence: High
    • Number of similar products: 14
  • Engagement: Medium
    • Average number of comments: 5
  • Net use signal: -14.8%
    • Positive use signal: 10.2%
    • Negative use signal: 25.0%
  • Net buy signal: -21.9%
    • Positive buy signal: 0.0%
    • Negative buy signal: 21.9%

This chart summarizes all the similar products we found for your idea in a single plot.

The x-axis represents the overall feedback each product received. This is calculated from the net use and buy signals that were expressed in the comments. The maximum is +1, which means all comments (across all similar products) were positive, expressed a willingness to use & buy said product. The minimum is -1 and it means the exact opposite.

The y-axis captures the strength of the signal, i.e. how many people commented and how does this rank against other products in this category. The maximum is +1, which means these products were the most liked, upvoted and talked about launches recently. The minimum is 0, meaning zero engagement or feedback was received.

The sizes of the product dots are determined by the relevance to your idea, where 10 is the maximum.

Your idea is the big blueish dot, which should lie somewhere in the polygon defined by these products. It can be off-center because we use custom weighting to summarize these metrics.

Similar products

Relevance

App to share vital info with family after you die

06 Jun 2024 Android

Hey HN, I co-created a simple iOS/Android app designed to help you securely gather important information in the form of notes, screenshots, and photos (e.g., life insurance, pension funds, bank accounts, information about your crypto - not necessarily leaving your passphrases here, but mentioning where you've hidden them - why not?) that significant others will need when you pass away.The app automatically passes this info on to them when it detects you’re gone (i.e., you stop responding to app notifications and - if configured - it’s confirmed by your Trusted Friends).It's secure (users' notes never pass through our servers and we don't have any access to them) and very easy to use.If you'd like to try it out - and review it or give me your feedback, you can find links to the official beta versions on Google Play and the Apple App Store on the website: LegacyApp.co.uk (or LegacyApp.rip).You can also get it directly from:- Android -> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobilityso... - iOS -> https://testflight.apple.com/join/E6RjPJqn (you'll need test flight app)Some information about security. We've built it to be secure, call it 4-layer:1: SECURITY BY DESIGN - Your personal notes never pass through our servers. They remain on your device and your cloud storage, making it impossible for us or anyone else to access them.2: DATA ENCRYPTION - All user notes are encrypted with a 256-bit AES military-grade encryption algorithm. Even if someone gains access to your cloud storage, they won't be able to decrypt your notes.3: "TWO-PART" PASSWORD - The encryption key comprises a strong user-defined password and a 90-character password generated by our server. This combination makes it extremely challenging to crack.4: TRUSTED FRIENDS - This optional feature ensures that your notes can only be accessed by your beneficiaries after confirmation from your trusted contacts that you have passed away.Anyone wanting to get premium (ad-free) - just let me know in the comments.I would greatly appreciate feedback from those who use it (or at least look at the website: legacyapp.rip).

Users appreciate the simple design and fast performance of the app, but there are concerns about blurry app store buttons. Some users are exploring the beta version and suggest potential applications in Blockchain and using the app as a cold crypto wallet. However, there are also concerns about the app's credibility and security.

Users criticized the app for having blurry app store buttons, lacking any mention of Blockchain consideration, and appearing to be designed specifically for cold crypto wallets. Additionally, there were serious concerns about ads containing malware, fake comments, and security vulnerabilities.

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BackupDiary – When you die, your family gets the note

20 Mar 2023 Productivity

I built this to scratch my itch. If something happened to me, I wondered what would happen to my bank account, online subscriptions, passwords (in case my family needed them), etc.Most of us also have a legal will to help our family, but I think most everyday things are left out. So this is an informal digital will.The idea is simple:1. Create a note, and keep it updated2. Add up to 5 recipients3. Check in once every 30, 60, or 90 days. You can pick your check-in period.If you don't check-in, the note is sent as a PDF file to every recipient.

Users discussed encryption challenges, emphasizing the need for robust security beyond passwords, such as county-level tasks. Concerns were raised about the privacy policy and the handling of data, with one instance of a note being decrypted and sent as plain text. A solo founder sought security advice for an encrypted database, and the service is pursuing SOC 2 certification to address these issues.

Users criticized the Show HN product for its unconventional terminology, poor user experience due to end-to-end encryption, lack of a tool for navigating processes by location and assets, an inadequate privacy policy, and the need for a more secure encryption method. Additionally, there was concern over the product sending information as plain text PDFs.

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Bequeath.app - Share digital files after death

29 Jun 2024 Health Global Nomad Family

Bequeath is a revolutionary website designed to ensure your voice is heard, even when you're no longer around. With Bequeath, you can securely deposit digital elements such as messages, videos, and more, to be shared with your loved ones after you pass away.

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BackupDiary – Information delivered if something happens to you

07 Feb 2024 Security

My name is Moin, and I'm a software dev. Github: https://github.com/moinismI built BackupDiary to scratch my own itch because I was afraid if something happened to me, what would happen to my bank account, online subscriptions, passwords (in case my family needed them), etc?Most of us also have a legal will to help our family, but I think most everyday things are left out. So, this is an informal digital will. It works like a dead man's switch.The idea is simple:1. Create a note and keep it updated. It is stored encrypted using an AES 256-bit key.2. Add up to 5 recipients3. Check in once every 30, 60, or 90 days. You can pick your check-in period.4. If you don't check-in, the note is decrypted and sent as a PDF file to every recipient.What do you think? I'd love to answer any questions and concerns.

Users are discussing the features of the product, specifically focusing on the list of things that can be stored and raising questions about encryption key management.

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Pass2Heaven - Protect your digital legacy

23 Jan 2023 Web3 Blockchain Anonymous

Pass2Heaven is a digital inheritance protocol for sending information directly to the recipient while ensuring integrity and confidentiality with verifiable ownership, decentralized storage and cryptographic proofs

The comments express mixed feelings. One user is optimistic about the project's potential to eliminate intermediaries in the digital world and wishes the project good luck. However, another user finds the cartoony, creepy aesthetic disconnected from the seriousness of the topic.

The primary criticism revolves around the user interface's aesthetic, with users finding its vibe off-putting and disconnected from the product's topic.

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Cipherwill is an automated and end-to-end encrypted digital will platform

Users express concerns about trust, security, and encryption specifics of the Show HN product, with many requesting more details on encryption methods, key storage, and the source code. There's interest in hardware wallet support and SLIP-39 for key recovery, but skepticism remains due to lack of detail and reassurance. Questions about data storage, decentralization, and the product's longevity also prevail. Some users are hesitant to sign up without further information, suggesting the need for a detailed FAQ to address these uncertainties.

Users expressed significant trust and security concerns, highlighting a lack of transparency, detailed information, and open-source code. There's skepticism about the service's decentralization, encryption methods, and long-term viability. The term 'security factors' is undefined, and there are fears of third-party risks, including potential data theft. The service's centralized nature and the location of data storage are unclear, leading to doubts about business continuity and authenticity. The subscription model and the overall necessity of the service were also criticized.

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Backup Diary - Leave your family informed

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Write down anything important, from passwords to last wishes, and select who should receive it if something happens to you.

The Product Hunt launch received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with users praising the unique concept for securely sharing confidential information, especially passwords, after death. The app's simple design and usefulness were highlighted, with automatic backups being a particularly appreciated feature for reducing data loss. Several users expressed interest in trying the app, with one requesting a trial version. Suggestions included a default 'avenge me' video and enhanced security details. The backup diary feature was noted as a game-changer, particularly beneficial for the elderly, sick, and wealthy to safeguard personal information for loved ones.

Users express concerns about the product's security and reliability. A key criticism is the need for the service to be dependable and long-lasting, ensuring it remains available throughout the user's engagement.

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Tumulus – Web3 data storage and sharing for end-of-life planning

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We are thrilled to introduce tumulus, a decentralized web3 data storage and sharing solution that harnesses the cryptographic superpowers inherent in web3 to enable users to manage their own data in a truly self-sovereign manner – where it is not in the custody of any third party but is encrypted and stored safely and redundantly on IPFS. With tumulus, users can create and customize authorizations to transfer documents to others upon certain ‘states or conditions, including posthumously. Tumulus is therefore an extremely valuable tool for end-of-life planning, but its potential use cases go far beyond this. Key features of tumulus: • Simple access via web2 API to web3 data storage and sharing. • Configurable to support many types of secure data sharing arrangements. • Hybrid encryption for secure content stored via Filecoin on IPFS. • Common toolsets: Vue, node, Solidity • Sample app provided to get you up and running quickly We invite you to join us in developing this project and look forward to seeing what innovative uses you find for it.Happy coding! The tumulus TeamThe tumulus team expresses its sincere gratitude to the Filecoin Foundation for its generous support of this project through its open grant program.

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